Nature, Trekking, Art, Culture and Gastronomy In An “Elevated" Experience of Sakura Season
Karuizawa, Japan, 17 February 2025 – This April, Shishi-Iwa House has created a wholly novel and immersive way to revel in Sakura season – a trek to some of the most iconic Sakura trees located in higher elevations, interspersed with equally heightened culinary and cultural experiences along the way. The four-night/five-day package from April 20 to 24 will take guests to Nagano’s eight famous peaks through winding trails up to the flowering summits, where the land below is a vibrant tapestry of pink and white blossoms.
Guests will spend a half-day on the rugged Mt. Kurofu, witnessing the fiery past of Mt. Asama, where volcanic activity has shaped dramatic cliffs and steep slopes. The next half day features a leisurely climb up Mt. Iodake, one of the eight connecting peaks of the renowned Yatsugatake Mountains, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Yakedake at the southern end of Japan’s Alps from afar. Unlike the usual ground-level perspective, trekkers get dynamic, ever-changing views of cherry blossoms from above as they ascend, offering a truly elevated cherry blossom experience.
Trekkers will get an up-close encounter with the 2000-year-old Yamataka Jindai Zakura, Japan’s first natural monument, which is often referred to as one of the “three greatest sakura trees in Japan,” as well as Wanitsuka Sakura against the stunning backdrop of Mt. Fuji.
The itinerary includes a visit to the famed Kiyoharu Art Colony famous for its remote location and artworks by acclaimed master architects Tadao Ando, Yoshio Taniguchi, and Hiroshi Sugimoto. A highlight not to be missed is Terunobu Fujimori’s magnificent one-leg teahouse that stands atop an 80-year-old cypress tree, followed by a meal of innovative French cuisine at Stove Kiyoharu, another masterpiece designed by Hiroshi Sugimoto.
Guests will be treated to exquisite culinary experiences at sophisticated dining venues, such as Shola at Shishi-Iwa House, where seasonal ingredients take center stage; and Vase Karuizawa.
Adventure is rewarded with dips in Honzawa Onsen, Japan’s highest outdoor natural onsen situated 2,150 meters above sea level. This heavenly hot spring offers not only restorative benefits for the body but also panoramic views of the surrounding alpine beauty, ensuring that the magic of the sakura touches every moment of relaxation.
To help guests recover from challenging trails, Shishi-Iwa House offers traditional treatments like onsen and shiatsu massage. These time-honored therapies are now complemented by a series of cutting-edge wellness devices used by top athletes, providing a comprehensive recovery experience.
Reflecting a new kind of luxury adventure experience in Japan, Shishi-Iwa House’s exclusive spring trekking program is priced at JPY 498,000 per person for double occupancy; the package includes accommodations for 4 nights/5 days and is inclusive of guided trekking, three meals per day, all tasting sessions, cultural and wellness activities, transports to trails and roundtrip transfers from the Karuizawa station, as well as professional photography and videos taken during the trip.
To book, contact Shishi-Iwa House at [email protected]
Download full itinerary here:
https://finnpartners.box.com/s/a84j4t12yx4mxhgdhpodzw19itiqzfb6
